NOVPUBEarly April in the Protoss Empire.
Xi Bei Province, the Milford Border Territory.
With a wind that chimes the bells, the light spring rain falls from the gray sky, covering every inch of Milford.
Two teams of knights, armored and resplendent, stand at the city gate of Milford. Their gaze is firm and sharp, inspecting the identity of each person lining up to pass through.
This path into the interior of Milford is not on the border with the Aestheland Kingdom, but within the Protoss Empire, a frequently used trade route from other Protoss city-states to the Milford Border Territory.
Under the planned control of the Milford Border by Count Milford and the Church of the Goddess of Destiny, Hyperion has successfully infiltrated the territory of the Protoss Empire with the Executioner, the Priest, and the Paladin.
After circling around, they will officially enter the city’s defense boundary of the Milford Border Territory.
Hyperion, currently waiting at the back of the line, looks like a merchant’s daughter, her soft hair spilling gently over her shoulders, tied with a red ribbon. Donning a black fitted blouse and a red checkered skirt, her natural grace adds a mysterious charm to her otherwise classic elegance. Her eyes contain an unspeakable shrewdness.
Each of her actions, whether it’s her movements or her instructions to the attendants behind her, are filled with authority and confidence. She exudes a cool and unapproachable presence, but also feminine softness and charm.
Originally from a Duke’s family, her noble disposition is inborn. Combined with her exquisite acting skills, there’s no divergence between her and her current persona.
Three reliable sixth-order clergy have become her guards, escorting the goods at the back. After their reinterpretation, there’s no trace of being clergy, instead having a distinct social atmosphere.
Their successful entry into the Protoss Empire’s territory is closely tied to Count Milford’s internal machinations.
Count Milford, the collaborator of the Church of the Goddess of Destiny, though high ranking in the Empire, also runs the risk of being caught by the Nirvana Branch.
"I really want to see that gentleman soon."
The thoughts of the three priests are written all over their faces.
Having been separated for nearly half a year, they’ve missed Mr. Wilford greatly.
Just talking with him makes them feel the purpose of life, every second real and fulfilling.
"..."
Hyperion turns to glance at the trio, without saying a word.
Looking at their undying longing for Lanci, she too starts to worry about him.
She doesn’t know how Lanci has been in the Protoss Empire during the two months since they parted. She hopes he is currently living a leisurely life in the south.
After queuing for a number of minutes, Hyperion and the guards finally reach the checkpoint.
These knights in charge of inspecting them are clearly cautious not only are they needed to check the legality of their goods, but also because they all looked too strong.
The leader of the knight guards, a captain with a red feathered helmet, steps forward: "Where do you come from? The Milford Territory does not welcome outsiders."
During this period, every border city-state was apprehensive, preferring to refuse passage, they did not want to increase the risk within their city-state.
Hyperion is prepared to explain. She has already prepared speeches for such a situation.
But just as the tension rises, a figure steps out from the depth of the city gate.
He looks in his forties, stern and without frivolity. His jaw firm, nose straight and eyebrows neatly combed. He wears a delicate dark-red velvet robe, decorated with the insignia of the Milford family and gold fittings.
"Captain, these are my guests," he says.
Count Milford’s voice was steady, but not as stern as his demeanor.
The captain was clearly surprised, then bowed in acknowledgment, "Yes, my lord the Count."
Soon, under Count Nelson Millford’s indication, Hyperion and the three clergy were allowed to approach Count Milford.
Hyperion had thought that they wouldn’t meet Count Milford so soon, he shouldn’t be personally welcoming them into the city.
The clergy of the Nirvana Branch had spies all over Xi Bei Province, the more action Count Milford took, the more likely he was to make a mistake that would invite an investigation by the Nirvana Branch.
Count Milford didn’t say anything.
He only indicated them to follow the vehicle of the Count’s Mansion, they would talk after arriving at the mansion.
Hyperion and the clergy looked at each other, the executioner, priest, and paladin all nodded; in their eyes, Count Milford was to be trusted.
Subsequently, they followed Count Milford.
Entering the Milford Province, they come to a road paved with pale gray stone slabs. The massive city gate slowly closed behind them, Hyperion did not look back, but still felt tense about her journey to the empire.
Today, they officially entered the territory of the Protoss Empire.
And the road ahead, whether it be slipping past the Nirvana Branch’s investigation in Xi Bei Province, climbing up to the Protoss Royal Magic Academy in the imperial capital, or the final infernal plan, every step was extremely dangerous!
One misstep would lead to irreversible disaster.
But these were the challenges she needed to face and the mission she had to accomplish.
With the vehicle of the Milford Family leading them through the city, the city-state showed its grandeur and brilliance. Skyscrapers towered into the clouds, strong city walls stood firm, and winding rivers formed a magnificent border city-state.
Through the car window, Hyperion could clearly feel the tension and alertness of the citizens in Milford Province about their current life.
Soon, they arrived at Count Milford’s Mansion located on the east side of the city-state.
The mansion’s main gate was made of solid black oak, decorated with copper rings and carvings. Beyond it was a cobblestone path flanked by carefully pruned low shrubs and cold-resistant plants.
Although it was not as cold here as on the northern border of the empire, there were still occasional sharp drops in temperature during the early Spring.
A group of attendants dressed in red ceremony suits came forward to take their luggage, and the four of them followed Count Milford into his magnificent mansion
After entering the mansion, they crossed the entrance garden and a few corridors, and arrived at the guest lounge. A crystal chandelier hanging from the high-arched ceiling cast a warm light that illuminated the whole room. Deep red velvet sofas and chairs were situated beside a huge fireplace, where logs crackled, providing a long-missed sense of security.
Only after all the attendants had left the hall and his trusted bodyguard was guarding outside the door, Count Milford finally looked again at the guests from the Aestheland Kingdom.
"Please sit."
Compared to this luxury, the count’s face was as serious and aloof as ever, but his hospitality was straightforward and friendly.
"We appreciate Count Milford’s support for our Church."
In the lounge, after sitting down, Hyperion said to the Count.
In Xi Bei Province, where other families had strong feelings of xenophobia, Count Milford and his family maintained a positive attitude towards foreign powers, offering a helping hand to the righteous. This opportunity was precious.
Although Count Milford’s performance today was a bit odd, seeming to lower his guard against the biggest threat in Xi Bei Province - the pawn of the Nirvana Branch, she still wanted to believe in this Count.
